Chapter 781: Food (1)
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Mingzhu said quietly but firmly, “If His Highness decides to go, I will support him with all my strength.” If he fought on the front lines, she would shield him from hidden dangers at home, ensuring he had no worries.
Dong Hui smiled. “I always knew you would say that, Wangfei.” Clear-headed and understanding, Mingzhu was capable of both enjoying comforts and enduring hardships. She could be ruthless yet remained kind-hearted, protecting those around her and taking on responsibilities. Such a Wangfei was worth following.
Ji Hui stayed in the room for nearly half an hour. By the time she came out, Mingzhu’s initial impatience had worn off. She waved Ji Hui over, “How is His Highness?”
Ji Hui answered earnestly, “I did not dare to look directly at His Highness, but his voice was calm, and his actions were measured. He seems well, Wangfei.”
Mingzhu nodded. “Are you familiar with the northern regions?”
After a moment of silence, Ji Hui replied, “Yes. My father cherished me greatly and took me everywhere from a young age. Therefore, I am well-acquainted with the customs and conditions of the northern regions.”
“That is quite rare. Your father must be a knowledgeable man. If you can assist the Emperor and His Highness, please share everything you know,” Mingzhu said. She had assumed Ji Hui, being from a strict and traditional family like the Ji clan, had grown up secluded. She hadn’t expected her to be so well-traveled.
Ji Hui was surprised by Mingzhu’s words and after a moment, smiled wryly. “My father did not actually want me to wander, but he had no choice.”
“Traveling is good,” Mingzhu remarked, remembering Ji Hui’s background. Ji Hui was the illegitimate daughter of Ji Ke, the eldest son of the Ji clan, and a Wusun Princess. Though Ji Ke had managed to secure her a legitimate status, she was never truly accepted by the family or her stepmother. This was likely why Ji Ke took her traveling to ease her mind. He was indeed a good father.
Ji Hui beamed, “Yes, I often thought that while I was watching the stars outside, they were at home embroidering. When I was boating on the river, they were feeding fish at a small pond.” Realizing she had said too much when she saw Zheng Momo frown slightly, she smiled apologetically and said softly, “Wangfei, rest assured, I will help wherever I can.”
Mingzhu felt a growing fondness for Ji Hui. “Alright, you may go.”
Ji Hui bowed respectfully and left.
Zheng Momo brought Mingzhu fresh tea and said softly, “This Ji Hui is young but not simple. She seems close to everyone but keeps her distance. While she can speak with anyone, she keeps her guard up. Wangfei should be cautious.”
“I understand,” Mingzhu replied noncommittally. Anyone who could survive in the palace for so long was bound to be complex. As long as Ji Hui posed no threat to her or Yuwen Chu, it didn’t matter.
Seeing Mingzhu’s indifferent response, Zheng Momo remained silent, occasionally glancing at the sky.
After waiting for a while longer, Wei Tiande came out and advised, “Your Highness is unlikely to see Wangfei today. You should return for now. His Highness will come back when he has time, and any news from General Fu will be relayed to you immediately.”
Mingzhu shook her head. “I’ll wait a bit longer.” Her family would be concerned about her second brother’s news, and even if Yuwen Chu didn’t inform her, someone else would. Right now, she just wanted to see Yuwen Chu with her own eyes. She couldn’t help, but she wanted him to know she was always there for him.
As evening approached, Fu Mingda came out, frowning slightly. “His Highness asked me to escort you back.”
Mingzhu looked towards where Yuwen Chu was, feeling a bit sad, but she didn’t insist. “Okay.”
Having waited so long without seeing him, all three of them were a bit dispirited. Fu Mingda, worried she might overthink, softly said, “He’s really too busy, can’t break away at all. So many people have just died, and there’s a crowd in there. He can’t just leave them to come see you.”
Mingzhu, dejectedly, replied, “I know, I’m not angry.”
“That’s good. I also have something to tell you.” Fu Mingda sighed, the worry on his face deepening.
Fu Zifei arrived with a group of palace servants carrying heavy food boxes. She nodded with a smile upon seeing Fu Mingda and Mingzhu. “Uncle, Aunt, I’m bringing food for His Majesty and others. Why don’t you have dinner before leaving?”
Fu Mingda responded courteously to Fu Zifei, “Thank you, Your Majesty. I have official duties and can’t stay long.”
Mingzhu ignored Fu Zifei completely.
Fu Zifei wouldn’t let it go. “I heard from Ji Hui that it’s quite busy inside. Is that so, Aunt? His Majesty won’t scold me for bringing food, will he?”
Mingzhu frowned, feeling very uncomfortable. Yuwen Chu meeting Ji Hui was for official business, and not meeting her was also due to official matters. They couldn’t be equated, but bringing this up in this context felt wrong. She couldn’t admit that Yuwen Chu had seen Ji Hui but not her. It felt too awkward.
Fu Mingda was slightly displeased, but since Fu Zifei looked so innocent and harmless, he couldn’t say much, only hoping Mingzhu wouldn’t cause a scene. Given the current situation, any trouble Mingzhu caused would only add to Yuwen Chu’s burden.
Mingzhu felt a surge of anger but glanced at the food boxes and came up with an idea. She said coolly, “It’s not that busy right now. Wei Tiande told me His Majesty and His Highness are hungry after a busy day, and I was thinking of getting some food for them.” She looked at Donghui, who quietly slipped away after a brief pause.
Fu Zifei, eager, said, “Then I came just in time.”
Mingzhu glanced at her and deliberately said, “His Highness doesn’t like the palace food.”
How could she know he wouldn’t like it if he hadn’t eaten it yet? Fu Zifei sneered inwardly but smiled sweetly. “Then I’ll first bring it to His Majesty and others. Aunt, you go ahead. I won’t delay you.”
This was the advantage of being Empress. Fu Mingzhu couldn’t enter as she pleased and had to wait, while Fu Zifei only needed a proper excuse to walk in openly. As the palace’s mistress, even if Yuwen Guang disliked her, he couldn’t embarrass her in front of the ministers.
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